Allows experimentation using the software provided; source code included for better understanding

Allows programming of all experiments from scratch using the library, for more in-depth exposure

Menu driven user interface to experiments

Comprehensive manual suitable for both lab instruction as well as self-study

Description

The Trainer exposes users to networking concepts at the physical, MAC network and transport layers, through a series of designed experiments. The experiments reinforce the theory covered in lectures, while the 'hands-on' programming exercises train students to industry level. The trainer can also be used for project work involving many layers of the network hierarchy. The NEU hardware emulates six nodes (two nodes per PC), which can be configured to Bus, Star or Ring topologies. It has error generators and delay generators between nodes. Each NIU card emulates two independent nodes supporting various MAC layers on a single PC. The system scales up to emulate larger networks by adding more NEUs, NIUs and PCs.

Curriculum Coverage

Experiment Level 1

Observation and measurement of behaviour of various network protocols. Step-by-step instructions given in manual under the ''Trying it out'' section.

Sliding Window - Go-back-N Experiment Level 1 continued Other possible topics of interest that can be implemented by users are:

Star topology - throughput measurement

Connection management - 2-way handshake

Sliding window - Jumping window

Experiment Level 2

Implement and test various protocols on one node by writing code while the experiment software is run on the other nodes. The program development is explained in detail in the manual. Data structures, FSM, Pseudo-code, wherever necessary, are provided. Exercises are given at the end of each topic.

Experiment Level 3:(Projects demonstrating realworld principles)

Projects involving several layers of network software, including application layers, are possible to implement with LAN-T. Users may be required to workout and implement the detailed specification.